Candy Golde, featuring Bun E. Carlos, at Kryptonite June 10

With more than 100 years of accumulated rock ’n’ roll history as a foundation, Candy Golde is the Midwestern musical collaboration of Nicholas Tremulis, Bun E. Carlos (Cheap Trick), John Stiratt (Wilco/Autumn Defense) and Rick Rizzo (Eleventh Dream Day).

Candy Golde, featuring Bun E. Carlos.

The distinctive blend of blues groove, power pop, Americana and alternative shows itself in the self-titled five-song Candy Golde (Ten O Nine Records), which hit the streets May 10 on vinyl and via digital download.

The band debuted live at this year’s SXSW, and it didn’t take long before Little Steven’s Underground Garage featured “Trouble’s Coming Down on Me” as the “Coolest Song in the World,” where the tune remains in heavy rotation.

Mastered by Ivan Julian of Richard Hell and the Voidoids, Candy Golde contains four originals including the single “Trouble’s Coming Down” and a cover of Paul Simon’s “Boy in the Bubble.” From the opening track, “The Hold Steady,” which invokes a little INXS and a lot of crunchy, synthy ’60s rock, to the slower, somber sway of “Why and Where,” the sense of musical authenticity is evident, as is the empowered songwriting that comes with age, experience and an unencumbered recording, performing atmosphere.

Carlos’ unmistakable robust, solid drumming provides the backbone of Candy Golde. In addition to almost 40 years with Cheap Trick, he is involved with a myriad of projects from marching bands to the recent Tinted Windows. He also guested at the smash Waltz charity series put on by Tremulis, backing up Jeff Tweedy and Gary Louris (Jayhawks).

Stirratt developed his dexterous bass muscle in his 15 years with Wilco. He is the only founding member, alongside Jeff Tweedy, to contribute to all the band’s releases, which have garnered six Grammy nominations and a Best Alternative win for A Ghost is Born in 2005. Stirratt is also in The Autumn Defense (with fellow native New Orleansian/Wilco member Pat Sansone) and records with his sister, Laurie Stirratt.

Rizzo, co-lead singer of Candy Golde, is known for his signature dazzling guitar notes and moves in Eleveth Dream Day. On the strength of its continued fervent underground fanbase and critical acclaim, the band just released its 10th record, and continues to perform live. Rizzo also records with Tara Key for Thrill Jockey Records.